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Nine laboratories participated in an intercomparison exercise organised by the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) for emergency radiobioassay involving four high-risk radionuclides ((239)Pu, (241)Am, (90)Sr and (226)Ra). Diverse methods of analysis were used by the participating laboratories for the in vitro determination of each of the four radionuclides in urine samples. Almost all the methods used are sensitive enough to meet the requirements for emergency radiobioassay derived for this project in reference to the Clinical Decision Guide introduced by the NCRP. Results from most of the methods meet the requirements of ISO 28218 on accuracy in terms of relative bias and relative precision. However, some technical gaps have been identified. For example, some laboratories do not have the ability to assay samples containing (226)Ra, and sample turnaround time would be expected to be much shorter than that reported by many laboratories, as timely results for internal contamination and early decisions on medical intervention are highly desired. Participating laboratories are expected to learn from each other on the methods used to improve the interoperability among these laboratories.

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To support patient management of possible radiation casualties in case of a radiological or a nuclear event, the Defence Radiation Protection Service (SPRA) is able, 24 h a day, to supply intervention means in France and overseas if requested by military authorities or civilian institutions. SPRA has developed mobile laboratories for the diagnosis of internal radionuclide contamination. The mission of this mobile unit is to study health and environment risks linked to radiological hazards for exposed people: workers, soldiers and also civilians. The mobile laboratories are able to be deployed in all types of nuclear or radiological events, and give the results of analysis to physicians and authorities in a short time. The vehicles are fully equipped to detect and to survey exposure to alpha, beta and gamma emitters for the supervision of people exposed to ionising radiation, by whole body counting or analysis of biological samples. Environmental survey by analysis of wipes, soil, water, vegetation or air filters can also be achieved.

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The guidelines for screening of urinary cannabinoids require that all specimens testing positive should be confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry at a confirmatory test cutoff value of 15 ng/mL of 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH). To assess the impact of lowering the confirmatory test cutoff value on the diagnostic sensitivity and efficiency of a cannabinoid testing program, the results of 986 confirmation analyses of positive screening tests, conducted in the framework of medical fitness examinations prior to enlistment in the French Gendarmerie between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009, were retrospectively studied. If the confirmatory test cutoff value of THCCOOH is set at 5 ng/mL instead of 15 ng/mL as recommended by guidelines, the number of confirmed results increases by 25.2%. The positive predictive value of the initial screening test rises from 63.9 to 80.0%. Only one true-positive applicant has appealed. His THCCOOH urinary concentration, which was incompatible with passive cannabis smoke exposure, was confirmed by another laboratory. The use of a confirmatory test cutoff value lower than that recommended significantly increases the diagnostic sensitivity of the screening program for urinary cannabinoids without altering its specificity.